Great weather, scenic vistas, and varied
terrain make San Diego a great place for
hiking, biking, or walking, whether you’re
looking for a challenge or just want to get
up high and enjoy the view. Lace up your
sneaks and get ready to run, roam and ride
throughout San Diego.

Sunset Cliffs

RunWalk

#1 green circle markers.
This trail stays away from the
busier areas of Balboa Park, so
new runners can get their workouts in away from the crowds. If
you’re feeling ambitious, extend
your run about a mile by tracing
the loop south of Laurel Street.

HikeBike

2. Lake Miramar

Father Junipero Serra Trail inMission Trails Regional Park.For a beginner’s attempt at trailrunning (not on paved roadsor paths), the Grassland Loopprovides a friendly welcome. Thewide trail only has a few smallhills and provides a smooth—notrocky—running path. Take inthe rolling green hills and prettywildflowers as you run.

1. Balboa ParkTrail #11. 5 milesEASYStart at Sixth Avenue and UpasStreet in Hillcrest and follow the

4. 9 milesEASYFollow the path around LakeMiramar, starting and ending atthe parking lot off Scripps LakeDrive.Like to count down how far youhave left to go? This path of-fers markers every quarter milefor just that purpose. The lakemakes for a picturesque view andthere are usually plenty of otherrunners, walkers, bikers, andstroller-pushers along the path,so you’ll be in good company.

HIKE THE
HILLS
Steeper and tougher
than trail-running
routes, these are
best reserved for
experienced trail
runners or those with
hiking boots.

El Capitan Preserve. The trail-head is on the right side of Wild-cat Canyon Road.This trail is hot, dusty, and steep,but the views are worth it. Thetrail to the top goes down as wellas up and up and up, making thisclimb one of the few that actual-ly is “uphill both ways.” Warning:The trail descends before thefinal ascent to the summit. Don’tturn back too soon. If—when!—you make it to the top, you aretreated to a 360-degree view ofSan Diego and the satisfaction ofknowing you really earned it.

3. Grasslands Loop1. 75 milesEASYOff Mission Gorge Road on the

4. El Capitan

11. 2 miles MOST DIFFICULT

5. Mount Woodson6. 4 miles DIFFICULTLake PowayViews along the way are gor-geous and far-reaching. Don’tforget your camera; there aresome great photo opportunitiesat the top of Potato Chip Rock.For a more serene place to cel-ebrate your climb, take a turnoffto the left shortly before youreach the summit.